Powerful Earthquake in western Japan knocks out power, injures 7

A powerful earthquake in western Japan knocked loose roof tiles, toppled store shelves and caused power outages Friday afternoon, but apparently caused no widespread damage. At least seven people were injured, one seriously. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the 6.6-magnitude quake occurred in Tottori, a prefecture on the Sea of Japan about 700 kilometers (430 miles) west of Tokyo.

The epicenter was at a relatively shallow depth of 11 kilometers (7 miles). Shallow quakes potentially cause more damage, but Friday’s damage appeared to be mostly minor or localized. At least two houses collapsed, and television footage showed roof tiles knocked loose, wall fragments from a sake brewery fallen to the ground, and wine bottles and food items scattered on a store floor. FULL REPORT